After many years of experience in resolving wall cracks for our valued clients, we understand that it can be very frustrating and stressful for them whenever they notice new cracks in the walls of their homes because it might be a sign of water leakage. The common questions raised by them include the causes of these cracks, how serious it is and how should they go about repairing them soonest possible.
There are many possible causes for cracks in walls. Some might just be purely cosmetic while some might indicate a serious underlying structural problem. In this article, we will be sharing more on the types of cracks, their common causes, tell-tale signs of wall cracks and remedies to stop water ingress.
Types of cracks
1. Non-Structural Cracks
Non-structural cracks arise due to settlement, climate and temperature changes, etc. These cracks are also known as hairline cracks which are less than three millimetres in width. Although such cracks do not pose an immediate danger, they should still be monitored carefully to prevent them from turning into structural cracks over time.
2. Structural Cracks
On the other hand, structural cracks may arise due to several possible reasons such as overloading of structural components, poor workmanship, incorrect design, etc. They can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or shaped like a staircase, and they are usually wider than three millimetres in width. This type of crack endangers the integrity and stability of the building. If left unattended, the condition could worsen and it would become more difficult to rectify.
Causes of wall cracks
1. Wear and tear
Over time as the house ages, it is natural for homeowners to expect some wear and tear. When this happens, it is common to notice some hairline cracks in the walls, especially where the doors and windows are located.
2. Changes in temperature or humidity
With varying weather conditions, temperature and moisture changes throughout the day in Singapore, external and internal building elements such as walls, ceilings, etc. are more susceptible to cracks.
3. Nearby construction or heavy traffic
If your home is situated near a fast and busy road or next to a long-term construction site, the strong vibrations in the ground could also be a potential reason for the wall cracks over time.
Tell-tale signs of wall cracks and leakages
Here are some of the common tell-tale signs to help you ascertain if there is water leakage into the wall:
1. Mould
If you noticed the presence of mould on the wall, especially the walls which are not in contact with water, this indicates a water leakage problem. They usually appear as clumps of dark spots on walls. It is important to keep a lookout at wall corners as mould thrives in dark and moist places.
2. Cracked, peeled or bubbled paint
When the paint is applied to walls with quality workmanship, it would not come off on its own in the absence of moisture or water. However, if the paint coat starts to bubble, peel or crack, this would mean that water or moisture has entered between the wall and paint coat.
3. Water stains or spots
If you noticed brownish or dark stains appearing on the wall surface, especially around the areas which are bubbling or peeling, this is a potential sign of water leakage. These stains come in different shapes, sizes and colours (usually brownish or yellowish). Do touch the surface and feel if it is damp, you should also take a closer look to see if there are droplets of water forming on the wall surface where the cracked or bubbled areas are.
Recommended Remedies
1. PU injection grouting
Polyurethane injection grouting, also known as PU injection grouting, is a waterproofing technique that injects polyurethane, a fluid resin, to prevent water leakage through cracks or gaps in the concrete. When in contact with water or moisture, this fluid resin will react and expand up to 10 times its original volume to fill up the existing gaps until there is no more space to stop water from flowing through structural joints and crack lines. This non-invasive and cost effective technique is often implemented to repair cracks and stop water seepage on walls, floors, etc.
It offers significant advantages, as it is easy to apply and very durable. Due to its low viscosity and various other properties, it is commonly used to fill cracks in concrete floors and walls bathrooms, roofs, balconies, and even swimming pools. Due to its elasticity characteristic, it can withstand not only thermal movements but also mechanical loads.
2. Waterproofing Membrane
A waterproofing membrane is a thin layer of water-tight material that is applied onto the wall water leakage areas to stop water ingress. There are many different types of waterproofing membranes and each has its varying functions. Some types include cementitious membrane, clear penetrative waterproofing treatment and polyurethane waterproofing membrane. The most commonly used product in the market would be the cementitious waterproofing membrane which adheres to concrete and masonry surfaces. The coating can resist both internal and external water vapour pressure, creating a barrier to water entry.
It offers significant advantages as it is strong, flexible, tear-resistant and elastic. It is commonly used to waterproof floors and walls, achieving strong non-corrosive bonding to concrete and masonry surfaces.
Your next steps
SWC Construction is a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) certified and approved BCA waterproofing contractor with more than 20 years of experience in the waterproofing industry. We are a team of waterproofing specialists who are dedicated to providing quality workmanship to rectify all waterproofing problems and reduce inconvenience to you – our valued homeowners.
Our area of speciality lies in waterproofing services for all sorts of leakages including leakages within ceilings, walls or floors within a building itself. It is our top priority to investigate thoroughly, identify the actual sources and carry out professional tested-and-proven solutions to help stop the seepages promptly. Contact us today for a non-obligatory on-site consultation to solve all your wall cracks problems.